Systems and methods for online selection of service providers and management of service accounts

ABSTRACT

An interchange party computer system (IPCS) having means for presenting user interfaces to consumer computer systems and capturing data input through the user interfaces, the IPCS being associated with at least one database holding data representing a plurality of consumer profiles, the profiles including consumer profiles expressing service selection attributes for a plurality of service sectors, and at least one database holding data for a plurality of service programs under a plurality of service sectors, each sector being represented by service programs from a plurality of service providers, the IPCS including (a) a Service Comparison/Selection; (b) a Automatic Bill Payment Module; (c) an Automated Services Monitoring Module; (d) an Automated Best Services Selection Module; (e) a Services Search Module; (f) an Incentive Program Module; (g) a Data Mining Module; and/or (h) a Pooling Module.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/725,397, filed Mar. 16,2010 and is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,983,960, that is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/553,386, filed Oct. 26,2006 and is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,707,071, that is a divisional of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09/753,982, filed Jan. 2,2001 and is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,728, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/173,881, filed Dec. 30,1999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference asif set forth in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of websites whichsell products online. Some of these websites sell products within aparticular category (e.g. eToys for toys), while others have emerged asonline shopping malls (e.g. Amazon.com's, Bizrate.com, zShops) whereconsumers can find a variety of products which are not necessarilyrelated or within a particular category. However, one area of commercehas been relatively ignored with the proliferation of dot.combusinesses. This neglected area of eCommerce is services.

Not surprisingly, many partial substitutes exist in the marketplace. Themajor telecom companies advertise their “rate plans” on their websitesand numerous websites offer cellular phone or paging services.Utilities.com from IdeaLab offers utilities in certain markets.Mortgage.com and others offer home loans. Numerous websites offerautomobile insurance.

While there are entities which sell or promote services online, servicesranging from accounting to website design, there is not a single websitewhich provides adequate systems and methods that allow the consumers andbusinesses to shop in one place for services under a variety of servicesectors—an online “services mall” so to speak.

The systems and methods for making, processing, and accepting onlineapplications for a particular kind of service are known. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,699 of Zandi, entitled “System and Method forConducting Loan Auction over Computer Network” discloses, among otherthings, systems of an online auction of a loan. The '699 patent ishereby incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therewithinas if set forth herein in its entirety. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.5,995,947 of Fraser, et al., entitled “Interactive Mortgage and LoanInformation and Real-Time Trading System” discloses, among other things,an online loan application system. The '947 patent is herebyincorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therewithin as ifset forth herein in its entirety. However, none of the aforementionedsites or systems provides one-stop shopping for consumers to compare andshop for services on-line and manage, update, add or cancel serviceaccounts across a variety of different service sectors using a single orminimal number of user interfaces.

One probable reason why there is not a single website that adequatelyaddresses the needs of consumers and business shopping for a variety ofservices is the fundamental differences between providers of goods andproviders of services. Goods are tangible items that are typicallymanufactured according to standard specifications and priced independentof the attributes of a particular consumer. Goods are often standardizedso that they are suitable for a large population of consumers. Incontrast, services are often provided and priced depending on the uniqueattributes and circumstances of a particular consumer or group ofconsumers. To illustrate the differences, a microwave oven can bepurchased by a consumer regardless of the consumer's location, age,level of education, etc. On the other hand, a service program such ashealth insurance might depend on all the foregoing. In furtherillustration, another service such as mortgage brokerage services mightdepend on a different set of consumer characteristics such as theconsumer's annual income, estimated market value of home, credithistory, etc. Because of the unique nature of each individual seekingservices and the unique nature of the characteristics required byservice providers to produce service pricing and offerings, there hasyet to be a system or methods that allow consumers to have a singlesource for a variety of service needs over a variety of service sectors.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, there are manycomplexities and logistics associated with the online selection ofservice providers. While there have been some attempts toward reducingthe time and effort involved in the process, existing systems andmethods have problems that need to be addressed. Accordingly, there is asubstantial need for systems and methods that enable one-stop shoppingfor consumers to compare and shop for services on-line, manage, update,add and/or cancel service accounts across a variety of different servicesectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods that overcome theproblems in the prior art. The systems and methods may be implementedthrough a website that serves as an intermediary or “interchange party”between consumers/businesses needing services and the service providers.The interchange party allows consumers and businesses (hereinafter“consumers” means consumers and/or businesses) access to a variety ofdifferent services from a variety of different service providers over avariety of service sectors. Hereinafter the consumers in need ofservices, the interchange party, and/or the service providers may bereferred to as a “participating party” or “participating parties”. Thepresent invention's advantages include the following, alone or invarious combinations with each other:

systems and methods that allow consumers and businesses to shop andcompare services in one place on-line;

systems and methods that allow consumers and businesses to achievesavings over the short term and long term from online and/or automatedhandling of transactions with a variety service providers over a varietyof service sectors;

systems and methods that free consumers and businesses fromtime-consuming, tedious processes of paying bills and managing accounts;

systems and methods that automatically notify consumers and businessesof service offerings that better suit their needs and/or automaticallyenrolls consumers and businesses in better service programs;

systems and methods that reward consumers and businesses throughincentive and pooling programs;

systems and methods for mining data and reporting to participatingparties information derived from the mining and/or designing serviceprograms based on information derived from the mined data;

systems and methods for “single entry” of data which may be presentedto, accessed by, or gathered by a plurality of participating partieshaving a need for or interest in the data or information generatedtherefrom (“single entry” means that only one participating party needsto enter data or information needed by or of interest to otherparticipating parties); and

other systems and methods that are expressly described herein or arecontemplated herein and will be apparent to persons skilled in the artfrom the teachings herein.

Technologies for implementing the systems and methods of the presentinvention may include any number or combination of technologies wellknown to persons skilled in the art, such as database technologies likeSQL (Oracle, DB2, or Microsoft), and programming languages useful in webprogramming such as ASP/JSP, JavaScript, Perl, CGI, XLM, COM/DCOM, Java,etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overview of computer systems in network communication.

FIG. 2 illustrates features that would be typically found in a computersystem that is included in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart representing a general overview of some methodsteps according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods that, among otherthings, enable consumers to compare and shop for services on-line,manage, update, add and/or cancel service accounts across a variety ofdifferent service sectors.

In one possible embodiment, the present invention provides a websiteincluded in an Interchange Party Computer System (“IPCS”) that allowsconsumers to select from a variety of different services from a varietyof different service providers. It is designed to give the consumerinformation so that they can make an informed choice. It is alsodesigned to make the selection and transfer process easy and without anydisruption in service. In this regard, the present invention providesuser interfaces that streamline the selection of service providers andthe management of service accounts. The IPCS website may be organized byservice sector, such as long distance telephone or utilities. Once theconsumer selects the desired service sector, a listing of serviceproviders for that particular category is provided. At this point, theconsumer can use a criteria feature to list the services in order ofpreference based upon one or more selected characteristics, such asprice or service level. The consumer can then select a particularservice provider and review the pertinent service information. And oncethe consumer decides on a particular service and provider, an onlineenrollment process provides data fields for the consumer to input theiridentifying information. The information is then processed, the selectedservice initiated, and the consumer is sent a confirming email or otherelectronic message. The service provider and consumer information isstored on computer systems, i.e., servers or databases on part of theIPCS, on third party provider computer systems associated with the IPCSor at a service provider computer system associated with the IPCS.

The IPCS provides one or more of the following features: automatic billpayment; an intelligent agent for providing information updates aboutservice programs; a best service program that provides information as towhich choices best meet the needs of a consumer or business; searchengine for finding service providers; incentive programs that awardservices and businesses subscribing to services through the providedsystem; data mining features for extracting information based onconsumer and business transactions with service providers participatingin the system. These, and additional features, are described more fullybelow. They can be selected by the consumer at any time from the IPCS.The IPCS website providing the online storefront of service providersmay receive a sign-up fee and/or an ongoing percentage of the billingsfor the service. A portion of these “fees” may be returned to theconsumer in the form of incentive points.

As described in more detail below, the present invention provides ameans for a consumer to create a single profile that may be used by aplurality of service providers providing a plurality of differentservices to provide offers for service.

The systems, methods, and features of the present invention may beimplemented through a Selection and Transaction Network (“STN”), asystem of networked computers that permits participating parties toexchange information and engage in online transactions with each otherrelating to the provision of services over a variety of service sectors.The STN generally means a system that permits input, transfer, managingand computing of data and/or information relative to differentparticipating parties relating to one-stop shopping for consumers. TheIPCS is at the heart of the STN and provides a single website which,among other things, allows consumers to compare and shop for serviceson-line, create, manage, update, add and/or cancel service accountsacross a variety of different service sectors. The STN system may bedescribed in terms of the computer systems controlled by participatingparties and supporting parties (e.g., credit checking agencies) whichmay play an ancillary role in transactions between consumers and serviceproviders.

One advantage of the STN is that it enables “single entry” of data sothat only one participating party needs to enter data needed by or ofinterest to a plurality of other participating parties, and to deliverit to the other parties, and the party entering the data needs to enterit only once. Generally, “data” means facts and beliefs about the realworld; “information” is data that has been processed and formatted tosupport decision-making. Data may be processed to generate information.Information may also be processed to generate further information. Theinformation that has been processed may itself be data depending on thecontext. “Data” or “information” includes data and/or informationformatted into or as electronic files. For convenience herein, the terms“data” and “information” shall each be inclusive of both data andinformation, unless otherwise expressly or contextually indicated.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of an STN 1, according to the presentinvention. The STN includes the computer systems of the participatingparties in the STN, namely IPCS 2, a plurality of consumer computersystems 3, a plurality of service provider computer systems 4, andsupporting party computer systems (not shown).

The plurality of service provider computer systems 4 can be groupedunder a plurality of service sectors, each sector being represented by aplurality of service providers in the sector. For the benefit ofconsumers, the more sectors and service providers that are representedin the STN, the more convenient the STN will be for consumers, and thebetter the competition will be among service providers to provide pricereductions and values to the consumers. Although the present inventionis not limited to any specific number of service sectors or serviceproviders under a sector, it would be advantageous to consumers to haveat least five different service sectors represented in the STN. It wouldbe advantageous to consumers to have at least three service providersrepresented under at least five service sectors. It would be even moreadvantageous to consumers to have at least seven different servicesectors represented in the STN. It would be even more advantageous toconsumers to have at least five service providers represented under atleast seven service sectors. It would be particularly advantageous toconsumers to have at least ten service sectors. It would be particularlyadvantageous to consumers to have at least seven service providersrepresented under at least ten service sectors.

The STN 1 may be used to communicate data between the participatingparties or other computer systems. For example, it may capture data fromelectronic application forms presented on electronic pages such as webpages or email pages; other electronic forms; verification or approvalforms or files, etc. The system may include means to organize captureddata into records in a database or into known electronic file formats;it may transmit or present data to other participating party computersystems; it may evaluate, process, or otherwise compute data andinformation; and/or it may receive data from others involved in thetransactions and communication between or among participating parties.

Looking more specifically at IPCS 2, it electronically facilitatescommunications and transactions between at least two other participatingparties, namely consumers and service providers. Computer systems insystem STN 1 may be networked over LANs, WANs, the Internet or otherknown network systems 5 using known protocols for such systems,including TCP/IP. To illustrate the range of possible computer systemsthat may be present in STN 1, computer systems are represented asservers and PCs. This is merely for example purposes.

FIG. 2 illustrates features that may be typically found in a computersystem e.g., 2, 3, or 4 of a participating party or other party in STNsystem 1. As used herein a “computer system”generally means a set ofhardware and software components as is known in the art. A computersystem 2, 3, or 4 generally includes: central processing unit (“CPU”)2.01; memory (RAM or ROM) 2.02, software applications or program modules2.03, operating system 2.04 and network interface 12.05, and related I/Osubsystems. A computer system may include one or more of the following:disk drive, input devices such as keyboard or mouse 2.06, displaymonitor 2.07, networking card, other subsystems known in the art, webbrowsers, web servers, database management system software, and/orcommunications software. It will be understood by persons skilled in theart, that a computer system may also be in the form of a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), a wireless computer system or device capable ofcommunications over the Internet or other network, or a computerterminal (thin client) or Internet appliance capable of such networkcommunications.

A “participating party's computer system” is a computer that issubstantially under the operational control of a participating party anddoes not necessarily need to be owned by a party. For example, thecomputer system used by a consumer at an Internet Cafe would be aconsumer computer system while under the control of a consumer.Similarly, a participating party's computer system could conceivablyserve multiple rolls. For example, an insurance company service providercomputer system could also be a consumer computer systems if it wasbeing used by an insurance company employee to select long distancetelephone service for the company from the IPCS. A participating partycomputer system may be in the form of a distributed system not under asingle housing or roof but having the distributed components under theoperational control of a participating party.

A participating party's computer system may include hardware andsoftware for data capture. Such components may be referred to as a “datacapture server. A data capture server's functions include accepting datatransfer from one or more data sources that may be outside aparticipating party's computer system. The source of the data may beanother participating party's computer system. Data may also enter adata capture server by direct manual input or connection to storagemedium such as a CD-ROM, disk drive, floppy drive, memory cards, ZIPdrive cartridges, and the like. Appropriate parsing applications couldparse the data captured from forms into appropriate database records andfields. XML based applications are suitable for authoring forms,transferring data into the database, and extracting data and informationfrom a database.

A participating computer system may further comprise or include softwareand hardware for presenting data to other computer systems. Suchcomponents may be referred to as a “presentation server”. In certainembodiments, the presentation server is a web server for an Internet orintranet website that serves web pages to other participating partiesthrough browsers in their computer systems. The web pages may be servedvia known TCP/IP protocols and formatted in known formats ofstandardized mark up languages such as HTML and XML.

Computer systems of system 1 may execute a conventional operatingsystem, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Corporation'sWindows(.sup.SM) 3.x, 95, 98, 2000, ME, NT or DOS operating systems;Linux operating systems; Sun Microsystems' Unix Solaris operatingsystems; IBM's AIX Solaris operating systems; SGI's IRIX Solarisoperating systems or other operating systems, including, but not limitedto Window's CE, Palm OS, etc. for PDAs, cellular devices, web devices,or other computing devices. The possible software components of acomputer system described herein, including operating system andapplication software, may reside on one or more hardware componentsproviding addressable memory for the computer system.

A participating party's computer system may manage data, includingaccess, retrieval, transfer, addition, deletion, modification and/orstorage of data in any variety of known data storage media, includinglocal hard drive, CD-ROM or other mass storage device, local areanetwork servers, wide area network servers, storage resourcessubstantially under the control of the participating party on a serverthat is shared with other parties (including servers shared with otherparticipating parties, such as a server provided by an IPCS, asdescribed below), and local RAM, if data is generated on demand orlinked to other programs such as spreadsheet or database programsexecuting in RAM.

Data and information may be formatted by a participating party'scomputer system for printing, viewing, transfer to another computersystem, storage in any of many known formats, including, Adobe PDF; richtext (RTF); SGML formats including HTML and XML; ALLAIRE Cold FusionCFML; MICROSOFT ASP; JAVA Script MICROSOFT Word, Excel, Access; bitmap,JPEG, GIF, and other graphics standards. It could also be presented inaudio or video formats such as WAV, JPEG, and MP3 formats.

The STN 1 may generally be divided into a client side system ofparticipating party computer systems 3 and 4 or network terminals and aserver system of IPCS 2.

In a preferred embodiment, IPCS 2 includes a server with a set ofprogram modules 2.03. Each module is a set of software objects and/orprogram elements, collectively having the ability to executeindependently in a separate thread or logical chain of processexecution. Each module may be executed as a separate logical server orusing a separate physical device. However, for clients such as theconsumer computer systems 3 and service provider computer systems 4, theIPCS server may operate as a single logical server available using thenetwork 5.

Various services available to consumers and service providers throughthe IPCS are discussed in detail below under certain headings for eachservice. Other modules relating to technical implementation of theservices are as follows. The IPCS may include a login module forcontrolling access to resources on IPCS 2. This module is responsiblefor password checking, access control, and assignment of a particularservice program module to service the client. Each participating partycomputer system is serviced by a specific login module. The IPCS alsomay include a consumer module and service provider module for handingall server-side application requirements of consumer computer systemsand service provider computer systems, respectively. The IPCS alsoincludes an administration module that handles all server-sideapplication requirements of an administration station associated withthe IPCS.

The IPCS may also include various external interface modules forconverting incoming data, such as application or enrollment form data toa format for communication with the respective application module ordatabase. The IPCS may also include various external service modules.Each external service has a module for communicating with an externalservice and for obtaining information in a format required by theexternal service. For example, one of the external service modules couldbe used to obtain credit scores and reports from credit reportingagencies. Another module that may be included on the IPCS is anotification module. This module handles notification and electronicmail communication with the participating parties. The IPCS may includea database interface module. This module handles all interfacerequirements between application modules and the databases. For example,the database interface module manages (a) the number of simultaneousconnections to the database such that the total number is maintainedwithin applicable license agreements; and (b) any integrity problems ininteractions between application modules and the databases. Thus, thismodule allows the IPCS to be connected to different types of databasessuch as relational databases or object-oriented databases. Anothermodule that may be included in the IPCS is a consumer profile module.This module receives the consumer profile data sent to the IPCS andperforms intake operations on the data so that it may be used in othermodules.

The present invention contemplates that participating parties willcreate and manage database records, input and manage data, upload files,communicate, compute data, collaborate, and exchange things with eachother through their respective computer systems. The data and files maybe transferred or presented to computer systems by participating partiesvia user interfaces developed in Standardized General Markup Languages(SGML), scripting languages, and other known languages or protocols.Such languages and protocols include MICROSOFT ASP, CFML, JAVASCRIPT,JAVA, COM, CGI, HTML, and/or XML. To provide the foregoingfunctionality, the user interfaces would typically be in the nature ofelectronic pages such as web pages or email pages that, throughappropriate computer code from such languages, are associated withdatabases, web servers, web browsers, file servers, networkcommunications links, email programs, etc. The electronic pages could bestatic pages stored on a server or database or pages dynamically createdthrough appropriate scripts, for example.

For purposes of example and not limitation, the contemplated data typesused in the STN include details supplied by a consumer to an onlineservice application, enrollment form, or request for quote of serviceprogram details. For example, the details could be supplied to anapplication for auto insurance; to a consumer profile form that includesfields for consumer attributes and/or service selection criteria.Likewise, service providers could communicate data representing detailsof a service program offered by a service provider, e.g. terms ofinsurance coverage such as costs, limits, and deductibles.

Hereinafter “consumer profile” data means any data supplied by aconsumer for use by the IPCS in a program module 2.03(a)-(h), discussedbelow. It includes data relating to a consumer's personal attributes,service sector interests, service provider and/or service programselection criteria or preferences. Hereinafter “service providerprofile” means any data supplied by a service provider for use by theIPCS in a program module 2.03(a)-(h), discussed below. It includes datarelating to a service provider's service sector, company information,and service programs and/or offerings. A data capture server associatedwith a computer system of a participating party may assign data to adatabase, import or convert the data into a file format, or make thedata accessible to application software (program modules), which mayprocess, evaluate, or otherwise compute the data.

STN 1 may include one or more web servers for presenting and/orcapturing data. IPCS 2 would usually include or otherwise be directlyassociated with a web server and associated data store or database, asindicated in FIG. 1. As used herein, a web server generally refers to acomputer system that runs web server software that enables access byremote computer systems or terminals via the Internet or other networktransport to allow presentation of data and information typically in theform of web pages or streaming media; data and information storage andtransfer; and other transactions or processes that are known in the artto occur on web servers. Suitable web server software is well known andincludes Apache Software Foundation's Apache Server web server;Netscape's FASTTRACK series web server, Microsoft Corporation's IIS, andSun Microsystems' JAVA WEB SERVER. A web server in IPCS 2 may beassociated with appropriate scripts to process captured data or topresent processed data.

To illustrate certain features of the present invention, the followingdescription is in terms of an online application for auto insurance.However, persons skilled in the art will recognize that this is not alimiting example but serves as a representative example of how thepresent invention could be applied for a variety of different servicesover a variety of service sectors. In this example, an onlineapplication may be presented to a participating party, such as aconsumer, from any number of sources including the IPCS 2 or aninsurance broker's website. In the latter regard, the IPCS may includeweb pages with a link to the insurance broker's website. An application,enrollment form, or response to a consumer's request for information mayalso be emailed or otherwise electronically communicated to a consumerby the IPCS 2 or service provider computer system 4. The application mayalso be presented to an insurance broker or other participating partythat completes the application on behalf of a consumer, or assists theconsumer in completing the application.

In a preferred embodiment, the auto insurance application forpresentation to a participating party is located on a web server that ispart of the IPCS 2 or otherwise associated therewith. In the case ofonline auto insurance, the application may be served to the consumerthrough HTML, XML, Java Script, ActiveX, Applet, CFML, MICROSOFT ASP, orthrough other known mechanisms or formats that can be retrieved by aconsumer through a conventional web browser or other known interface.(Other servers in system 1 may use the same mechanisms or formats forinterfacing with web browsers on other computers.)

After a consumer completes an application or other form, the resultingapplication data is captured by a data capture server in the TCS andlogged into a server log. The log records the collected data and mayassign an identifier or key value to the data. For example, theidentifier could be an indicator of any number of things including thetime of receipt, source (e.g., the particular consumer's name or loginid), etc. The logged data may then be parsed by a software moduleprogram or script that assigns items of the raw data into predefinedfields in a database in IPCS 2. Data input by consumers into electronicforms may be parsed, for example, by custom software, availablefreeware, or commercially available XML parsers, in the case of XML formdata. The parsing program may be created or adapted using standardprogram techniques that are known or within the skill of persons in theart. The parsing program would be designed to map data from, forexample, the auto insurance application into database records.Alternatively or simultaneously, the data may be directed by a script orother program directly into a program module for processing the data.

In a database for storing the application data, each record would becomposed of one or more fields that correspond to the class of an itemof data and/or the value of an item of data. Any field may be keyed toany one or more other fields. For example, in the case of a loanapplication, the database would contain tables that include a field forattributes (application details) such as age; place of residence; amountof insurance coverage sought; service subscription details, desireddeductibles, billing and account details, incentive program details,etc.

In like manner, database records may be created for any other consumerprofiles, service provider profiles, and other categories of collecteddata. It is contemplated that a single consumer may create a singlemaster profile, or any number of separate profiles relating to, forexample, separate service sectors.

Databases may be based on any number of known DBMSs, includinghierarchical databases, network databases, relational databases, andobject oriented databases. Suitable DBMS are widely available andinclude Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, and DB2. One suitabledatabase system is a relational database based on SQL language. Asuitable SQL database would typically include a Data Definition Language(DDL) for creation of a new database and new objects within an existingdatabase; a Data Manipulation Language (DML) for processing existingdatabase objects; and a Data Control Language (DCL) for administeringpermissions and other security-related issues. The data processing ishandled by a database engine and can be accessed by various queryingmeans, including Boolean logic evaluation, proximity calculations, andfuzzy logic evaluation. The databases of the present invention may alsobe custom designed, the design process and features being well withinthe skill of persons in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,220 of Schmitt,entitled “Database Evaluation System Supporting Intuitive Decision inComplex Multi-Attributive Domains Using Fuzzy, Hierarchical ExpertModels” discloses, among other things, systems and methods forconstructing and querying databases and returning and presenting resultsof database queries. The '220 patent is hereby incorporated by referencefor all that is disclosed therewithin as if set forth herein in itsentirety.

One or more data channels may be defined for the transmission of databetween components of a single computer system or between differentcomputer systems. As used herein “data channel” means a logical event,not necessarily a physical channel, directing the flow of data intocomputer storage and/or processing systems. Data channels are determinedby the structure of, for example, a loan application, or the way answersare coded into database fields, and the programs that are to operate onpredefined categories or items of data. A data channel may also be alogical or computed combination of other data channels. Morespecifically, there could be a data channel assigned to each serviceapplication or enrollment form attribute. For example, data from adatabase in IPCS may be introduced into one or more program modules2.03(a)-(h) (described in more detail elsewhere herein) that perform apredetermined operation on data. The database in IPCS 2 is also incommunication with a server in IPCS 2, as indicated in FIG. 1. Theserver may be a web server for interfacing with the remote computersystems of participating parties in STN 1. The web server of IPCS 2 maybe used to present data from any associated database to remote computersystems 3, 4, or other remote system, over a network 5. The data may bepresented in any known format, including HTML, XML, PDF, CFML, MICROSOFTASP, and other formats noted elsewhere herein or that are known in theart. Alternatively, a presentation server, which may be the same as,part of, or separate from the web server in IPCS 2, could present thedata to a printer or video display or computer system, or through othermeans for displaying data.

One or more of data channels may communicate data from a databaseassociated with IPCS 2 to applications in the IPCS or otherparticipating party's computer system calling for stored data. It willbe understood that any other components of STN 1 may communicate definedfields of data to another system component along a data channel assignedto a field(s) of data. For service applications, enrollment forms, etc.,the predefined data channels may include one or more data channels fortransmitting data relating to a service application or enrollment formdetails; consumer profiles; service offering details; terms of service;billing details; payment details, etc. It is to be understood that suchdata channels are for illustrative purposes only and should not beconstrued as a limitation on how data may be communicated between systemcomponents.

One or more program modules 2.03 may be included in one or moreparticipating party computer systems to process data output from anotherparticipating party to generate desired forms of information or toinitiate transactions between participating parties, as described below.Preferably, the modules are included in or otherwise directly associatedwith IPCS 2. Information processed in IPCS 2 may be presented to anend-user in any known form of communicating information, including:printed reports, emailed reports; server-stored reports accessible toend-users over a public or private network, including website postedreports. In a preferred embodiment, a presentation server in IPCS 2 mayserve web pages to remote computers systems through conventional TCP/IPprotocols or other known protocols. The web pages may be presentedthrough conventional web browser applications such as INTERNET EXPLORERseries of web browsers by Microsoft Corporation, or the NETSCAPECOMMUNICATOR series of web browsers by Netscape CommunicationsCorporation.

Service Comparison/Selection Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes an Automated Service Monitoring Module 2.03(a). In one possibleembodiment, the module operates as follows. IPCS 2 allows consumers toshop and compare services from a variety of service providers over avariety of service sectors. These service sectors include those thatconsumers pay for on a monthly basis, for a flat fee or for free. Theservice sectors include, without limitation, telecom (local and longdistance, cellular, paging, voice over IP, calling cards, etc.),utilities (gas, electric, water, heating oil), cable television,Internet service, satellite television broadcast systems, financial(credit cards, banking, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirementplanning, etc.), loans (home and auto), and insurance (home owners,automobile, life, health etc.). However, these sectors represent just afew examples of the available service sectors that could be included inthe system of the present invention.

The IPCS also allows consumers to compare services based on certaincriteria or attributes selected by the individual consumer in creatingor updating a consumer profile for use in querying a database of serviceproviders or programs. The IPCS either could contain a database withservice provider profiles or could be associated with another computersystem, e.g., service provider computer systems with appropriatedatabases containing details of service programs. Database queries canbe structured in a number of ways that could produce useful information.For example, a consumer could create a consumer profile to query thedatabase(s) based on sectors of service, service providers, attributesof service (e.g., price, coverage, term, deductibles, etc.).

To illustrate, the consumer could select health insurance, ISP, and longdistance phone service sectors in a search for best service programs ineach sector. The consumer could select further attributes to help definea best program in a sector. Attributes could include price, companyrating, in the case of ISPs, number of hours included in a flat rateplan, etc. Search results could be returned to the consumer according topreferences, interest or profile attributes. For example, If a consumeris most concerned with price, the available services can be listed inorder from least expensive to most expensive, given the same scope ofservice. If a consumer is most concerned with service levels, theavailable services can be listed in order from highest rated servicelevels to least. If a consumer's profile indicates a particular regionof residence, results could be returned according to a serviceprovider's proximity to the region. Other parameters, or combinationsthereof, may also be selected and/or weighted by the consumer to developa results list.

The above-described comparison/selection service could be provided tousers free of charge. Fees may be provided from the service provider inthe form of sign-up fees and/or ongoing percentages of the monthlybillings.

Automatic Bill Payment Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes an Automatic Bill Payment Module 2.03(b). In one possibleembodiment, this module operates as follows. The module helps consumersto avoid the time consuming, often painstaking task of paying bills eachmonth. The Internet billing and payment service allows consumers tosecurely receive and view electronic copies of their monthly bills ontheir personal computers in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.The users can control the amount and timing of their electronicpayments, manage their own payment records, and save the time andexpense of making payments through traditional mail.

According to the present invention, the bills are forwarded, eitherelectronically or via mail, to the IPCS 2 or a selected third partye-billing provider, such as PAYMYBILLS.COM or YAHOO!. The bills may beparsed, scanned or otherwise input into the site operator's computersystem, e.g., the IPCS. The IPCS notifies the consumer by email or otherelectronic messaging or notification system when the bill “arrives,”i.e., is processed. At that point, the consumer reviews the bill online,selects the amount of payment, and when the funds are to be transferred.When the appropriate time arrives, the site operator transfers the fundsfrom the consumer's bank to the billing party. In a preferredembodiment, a consumer logs into the website provided on the IPCS andaccesses a web page for managing one or more service provider accounts.The web page either provides or links to other pages that show billsfrom the service providers. The web page(s) include user interfaces thatallow the consumer to input payment amounts and other details related tomaking a payment. The consumer can then send the payment electronicallyto the service provider. The IPCS acts to route the data relating to thepayment to the consumer's financial institution responsible for makingthe payment (e.g., bank, credit union, credit card company etc.) andsimultaneously to the service provider. When the service providerreceives payment, it will update the consumer's account to reflect thatpayment has been received. The IPCS can also be updated with the detailsof the transaction. The consumer may access the updated accountinformation through the IPCS or directly through a website on theservice provider's computer system. In an alternative embodiment, theconsumer can use web page user interfaces on the IPCS to authorize thepayment to occur in a truly automatic mode. In other words, based oninstructions issued by the consumer through the IPCS, amounts that aredue under one or more accounts will automatically transfer to theservice provider on a given date without user intervention. Of course,bills could be electronically transmitted to the consumer before orafter the transaction so that the consumer has an opportunity toquestion unusual charges.

It is anticipated that the automatic bill payment feature would beprovided to consumers for free, a monthly fee, or a per transaction fee.

Automated Services Monitoring Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes an Automated Services Monitoring Module 2.03(c). In onepossible embodiment, the module operates as follows. The moduleautomatically notifies consumers if a service becomes available whichbetter suits their needs or preferences, as reflected in consumerprofiles. These “needs” or “preferences” can be based on price, servicelevels, or other distinguishable qualities. The consumer accesses theIPCS via user interfaces such as web pages stored on the IPCS andcreates a profile by entering or calling up present service attributesand prioritizing certain service criteria, such as price or servicelevels for each service sector of interest. The profile is stored andused periodically in a query of the service program databases. And, ifanother service becomes available which surpasses the selected criteria,the consumer is notified via email or other electronic messaging ornotification means, such as instant message, or updates to an accountpage on the IPCS or a web portal of particular service provider or aportal for a collection of service providers. The notificationpreferably includes means to accept a service program and instituteservices. A page on the IPCS for a consumer's personal access may alsobe automatically updated in the IPCS database to post service programofferings and/or to reflect changes in service programs that areoffered. Typically, this feature would be provided to consumers forfree, for a fee per transaction, or for a monthly fee. The foregoingfeatures could also be used to notify the consumer of offerings inservice sectors where the consumer is not enrolled in a service but forwhich the consumer has created a profile expressing interest.

Automated Best Services Selection Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes an Automated Best Services Selection Module 2.03(d). Onepossible embodiment of this module is as follows. The module is similarto and may work in conjunction with the Automated Services MonitoringModule referenced above. Once the Automated Best Services SelectionModule fmds a service which better suits the needs or preferences of aconsumer, the consumer can be automatically switched to that servicedirectly by the IPCS. According to the present invention, the consumerselects this feature, provides authorization for the site operator toact on their behalf with respect to service selection, and creates aprofile(s) by entering present service attributes and prioritizingcertain service criteria, such as price or service levels. The profileis stored in a database included in or associated with the IPCS.Periodically, the program module included in or associated with the IPCSdetermines whether a profile matches a service offering provided by aservice provider. The attributes for a service offering are also storedon a database included in or associated with the IPCS. An example of anassociated database containing service offering attributes would be adatabase maintained by a service provider. If the program module on theIPCS determines that another service becomes available which surpassesthe selected criteria in a consumer profile, the consumer isautomatically switched to that service. Alternatively, the consumer maybe prompted by email or other electronic messaging or notificationsystem (e.g. web page accessible by consumer) that a better a matchingservice has come available. The user can then electronically accept theservice offering through a user interface presented with or otherwiseassociated with the electronic page having the details of matchingservices. The current service criteria is then stored, and is maintaineduntil another service provider is found which surpasses the then currentcriteria. The foregoing features could also be used to enroll theconsumer in service sectors where the consumer is not enrolled servicebut for which he or she has created a profile expressing interest.

In one embodiment, the consumer's profile is automatically created fromthe consumer's existing subscription of services. Using well-knownprogramming techniques, a parsing or database querying program may bewritten that looks up details of each user subscription stored in adatabase or file on the IPCS. The program then parses or searches forpredetermined attributes that are in the file or database and creates aprofile therefrom. The profile may then be compared against serviceprovider programs or offerings for matches.

In the foregoing embodiments, the program module may be set to not onlyreturn full matches but also partial matches. A consumer may beautomatically enrolled based on a partial match, if the consumer hasagreed to some criteria for partial matches. Alternatively, the consumermay be presented details of the partial match and prompted foracceptance or rejection.

This feature could be provided to consumers for a monthly fee, for free,or for a per-transaction fee. The functionality can be provided directlyby the IPCS 2 or subcontracted to a third party provider.

Services Search Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes a Services Search Module 2.03(e). One possible module is asfollows. The Module allows consumers to search for services that are notrepresented on the system site. The consumer enters certain descriptorsor “keywords” and then initiates a search. The search results are listedin order of relevance. This feature would normally be provided toconsumers for free and powered by one of the many available searchengines such as AltaVista, Yahoo!, Excite, or by a custom developedsearch engine.

Incentive Program (Universal Points.™ System) Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes an Incentive Program (Universal Points.™. System) Module2.03(f). One possible embodiment is as follows. The module allowsconsumers to accumulate “points” based on the services they haveselected using the IPCS and the monthly billings for such services.Consumers accumulate Universal Points.™. or U-Points.™. based on themonthly dollar amounts paid to the service providers participating inthe IPCS website program. The consumer can then “cash in” their U-pointsfor selected prizes offered on the site. The number of U-Points requiredfor a particular prize varies depending on the cost of such prize. Theprizes are provided by sponsors which may be given advertising on thewebsite in lieu of payment.

Data Mining Module

The IPCS 2 may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes a Data Mining Module 2.03(g). One possible embodiment of thismodule is as follows. The module allows the IPCS to analyze a potentialconsumer's bills and spending habits to determine if another serviceoffered through the IPCS better suits their needs. Through strategicpartnerships with financial planning entities and bill payment services,the IPCS will be able to mine the data of consumers and then offer mostcost effective solutions. Data mining software could be custom designedor obtained from commercial sources. For example, data mining softwareis commercially available from a variety of commercial sources. Forexample, SPSS, Inc, Chicago, Ill. (www.spss.com) produces variouscommercial software products for data mining. In addition to theforegoing, the data mining could be directed to other needs ofparticipating parties. The data may be analyzed or processed to generatestatistical, demographic, and other pertinent information aboutconsumers; service programs; consumer satisfaction with serviceproviders; service programs and/or offerings; and market researchinformation. The Data Mining module could be ported to or otherwiseintegrated with the Incentive Program Module to support thefunctionality of other modules 2.03 described herein, such as theIncentive Program Module or the Pooling Module.

Pooling Module

The IPCS may include or be associated with a computer system thatincludes a Pooling Module 2.03(h). One possible embodiment is asfollows. As the IPCS base grows, so will the potential to negotiatebetter rates with the service providers. Once a particular serviceand/or service provider reaches a critical mass of consumers and monthlybillings, the IPCS automatically or through administrators will contactthe respective service provider computer systems or administrators andnegotiate better rates for its patrons. The consumers may be givenincentives to participate in pooling programs offered by certain serviceproviders or groups of service providers. For example, consumers couldbe notified that if the total number of consumers enrolled in a certainprogram reaches a particular level, the cost of service to the consumerwill decrease a certain amount. The discounts could automatically beapplied through the IPCS pooling module and consumers notifiedaccordingly. In another embodiment that could be implemented inconjunction with the Data Mining Module, service providers are notifiedof total enrollment of consumers in a particular service sector across avariety of service providers in the sector. Based on the numbers,service providers could offer pooling programs or other special offersthrough the IPCS. The Automated Best Services Monitoring Module andAutomated Best Services Selection Module could also be integrated intothe foregoing so that consumers automatically learn of or are enrolledin service programs that best match their profiles.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that combinations of theforegoing modules 2.03(a)-(h) in the IPCS should result in substantialsynergies, improving significantly over the prior art.

FIG. 3 shows certain general, overview steps performed by or inconnection with the IPCS relative to program modules 2.03(a)-(h). Othersteps are as noted above. In step 3.1, the IPCS sends a consumer anelectronic page with a user interface for inputting consumer profiledata. The consumer inputs data 3.2 relative to a transaction under oneor more of program modules 2.03(a)-(h). The data is sent 3.3 to theIPCS. The IPCS determines 3.4 if a profile relating to the transactionalready exists. If a corresponding profile does not exist, one iscreated 3.6 and stored in a database that is part of or otherwiseassociated with the IPCS 2. If a corresponding profile exists, it isupdated 3.5 as necessary.

Data captured from a user interface form may be used to construct andsubmit a query 3.7 to a database(s) of service provider profiles todetermine 3.8 matching programs or offerings. The query can includeinstructions to return partial matches. It is also noteworthy that thecaptured data can be directly used in a query without first storing datain a database associated with IPCS 2.

If a program is found that matches (this might be a partial match wherepartial matches are deemed acceptable) a consumer profile to apredetermined degree, the consumer may be automatically enrolled 3.9 inthe program(s) or offering(s) or notified 3.9 of such programs orofferings. If a matching program or offering is not found, the consumermay be notified 3.10. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the query 3.7 may beperiodically run again to monitor for updates to the services providerprofile database(s). In step 3.11, the consumer and/or service providerdatabases may be updated to show new enrollments, status of offerings,etc.

The business model of the present system may generate revenue to theoperator of the IPCS in one or more ways, including: a service provider“signing bonus,” a percentage of the monthly service provider, billingsand/or advertising revenue.

Typically, service providers pay signing bonuses to brokers or resellerswhen they sign up a new consumer. For every service consumer that signsup through the system site, revenue will be generated in the form of thesigning bonus. In addition, it is common for service providers to paybrokers or resellers a percentage of a consumer's monthly service feesto prevent “churning.” This commission varies according to theparticular service and provider, however, this will add to revenue on amonthly basis. Lastly, revenue may be generated from the advertisements,banner or otherwise, which appear on the site.

Other revenue streams may be generated from the fees charged toconsumers for certain site features, including the automatic billpayment service or automatic best services selection. Where the systemsite does not provide the particular feature or service internally,revenue streams will be generated from the commissions paid by the thirdparty providing the feature.

Other possible sources of revenue include promotional fees paid by theselected services search engine and the selling of the consumer list.

Example Features for Administration of Participating Party ComputerSystems

The IPCS may include one or more of the following administratorresources:

administrator resources that allow an administrator of the IPCS, or aparticipating party authorized by the administrator, to post content orinput data to the IPCS or computer systems associated with the IPCS;

administrator resources for setting access permissions, securityprocedures, and login procedures for participating parties;

administrator resources that allow a participating party to control whohas access to IPCS resources; and

administrator resources that allow participating parties to post certainkinds of content to IPCS 2.

To streamline the interchange of data and files between participatingparties, the interchange party may provide other participating partiesstandardized electronic pages in the nature of customizable forms,formats or templates for the creation of data input forms. As indicatedabove, the forms could be provided in electronic pages written in SGMLsuch as HTML or XML. For consumer participating parties, the pages couldinclude predefined form fields for input of data such as name, address,age, and other consumer attributes. A master consumer profile form couldallow a user to create a profile that would be as comprehensive aspossible for the attributes need by all sectors of service providers.The relevant portions of the profile could then directed to variousservice providers in various categories. It can also be used in the bestservices and automatic bill payment features, discussed above.

The forms could include popup menus so a consumer does not need to inputevery attribute, but can select choices from a menu list.

The IPCS may provide administrator interfaces for service providers orothers on their behalf to input into the IPCS a service provider profilethat includes details of their service programs, offerings, and otherrelevant information. The administrator interfaces may include, forexample, customizable user interfaces in the form of web pages. Aservice provider may use and customize the web pages for presentation toconsumers via the IPCS. For example the web pages could be customized toprovide:

descriptions of service programs and offerings by the service provider;

price and other terms of service;

uploadable files to consumers in the form of applications or enrollmentforms or in the form of informational material, guidelines, any otherdocuments the service provider wishes to make available to consumersabout the company or its services (the files could be uploaded in anynumber of formats including HTML, .pdf, XML, .gif, .tif, or text);

contact and company information;

links to the service provider's own website that resides on the serviceprovider's own server and/or links to other relevant sites; and

data input fields for consumers applying or enrolling in serviceprograms online, paying for services, requesting information, etc.

The foregoing embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to be limiting, persons skilled in the art being capable ofappreciating other embodiments from the scope and spirit of theforegoing teachings.

1. A computer-readable storage medium having contents configured tocause a computing system to perform operations, the operationscomprising: receiving consumer profile data over a communicationnetwork, the consumer profile data including data usable to facilitatecommunications and transactions between at least one consumer and atleast one service provider; querying one or more databases for serviceprograms that match the consumer profile data to a predetermined degree;and automatically enrolling the at least one consumer in a matchingservice program that matches the consumer profile data to thepredetermined degree; wherein at least one of the querying orautomatically enrolling is performed by a computing device.
 2. Thecomputer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, the operationsfurther comprising periodically querying the one or more databases forother service programs that surpass the predetermined degree.
 3. Thecomputer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, the operationsfurther comprising, responsive to locating another service program thatbetter matches the consumer profile data than the matching serviceprogram, automatically switching the consumer to the other serviceprogram.
 4. The computer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 1,the operations further comprising: generating a notification for theconsumer of an automatic enrollment in the matching service program; andcausing transmission of the notification to the consumer.
 5. Thecomputer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 1, the operationsfurther comprising analyzing consumer bills and spending habits todetermine if another service better suits one or more needs of theconsumer.
 6. The computer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 1,the operations further comprising causing presentation of an electronicpage to enable input of the consumer profile data.
 7. Thecomputer-readable storage medium as recited in claim 6, wherein thereceiving comprises receiving the consumer profile data via theelectronic page.
 8. A computer-implemented method comprising: matchingconsumer profile data associated with a consumer to service programs toa predetermined degree, the service programs being associated with aplurality of service sectors, at least some individual service sectorsbeing represented by service programs from a plurality of serviceproviders; and responsive to matching a service program, automaticallyenrolling the consumer in at least one matching service program; whereinthe matching and automatically enrolling are performed by computingdevices.
 9. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 8,further comprising facilitating communication between the consumer and aservice provider associated with the matching service program.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method as recited in claim 8, wherein automaticallyenrolling comprises causing presentation of an application forenrollment that includes at least some of the consumer profile data to aservice provider associated with the matching service program effectiveto enable the service provider to assist in completing the applicationfor enrollment for the consumer.
 11. The computer-implemented method asrecited in claim 8, further comprising receiving authorization includedin the consumer profile data to automatically enroll the consumer in thematching service program.
 12. The computer-implemented method as recitedin claim 8, wherein automatically enrolling the consumer is performed byautomatically enrolling the consumer in a service program that partiallymatches the consumer profile data.
 13. The computer-implemented methodas recited in claim 8, further comprising: ascertaining another serviceprogram that better matches the consumer profile data than the matchingservice program; and automatically switching the consumer to the otherservice program.
 14. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim8, further comprising storing the consumer profile data, which includesselectable criteria selected by the consumer.
 15. Thecomputer-implemented method as recited in claim 8, further comprisingusing data from existing subscriptions of the consumer to create theconsumer profile data.
 16. A computer system, comprising: means forestablishing for a consumer a consumer profile comprising one or moreattributes of the consumer; means for determining service offers thatmatch the one or more attributes to a predetermined degree; and meansfor automatically enrolling the consumer in a service program associatedwith at least one matching service offer.
 17. A computer systemcomprising: one or more storage devices storing data representing aplurality of consumer profiles for different consumers, the profilesincluding consumer profiles expressing service selection attributes fora plurality of service sectors, the one or more storage devices storingdata for a plurality of service programs under a plurality of servicesectors, each sector being represented by service programs from aplurality of service providers; and one or more computer-readablestorage media embodying, for execution by a processor, an Automated BestServices Selection Module for finding service programs that matchconsumer profiles to a predetermined degree and for automaticallyenrolling consumers in matching programs.
 18. The computer system ofclaim 17 wherein the Automated Best Services Selection Module isconfigured, in response to finding a particular service that surpassesselected criteria in the consumer profiles, to automatically switchconsumers to the particular service.